Meet the Model, Leah Lahkiah!
We have been so excited to share our latest online collection for fall! This season we were very inspired by jewel tones, luxurious fabrics and bold accessories. We were also so thrilled to work with local artist, Leah Lahkiah! Leah is beautiful inside & out and worked the hell out of these vintage looks! Keep reading to get to know more about our favorite upcoming artist, Leah Lahkiah, and enjoy her music video for her latest single, For the Summer, below!
Visit the Online Shop to browse each of the pieces!
Model: Leah Lahkiah
Stylist: Jillian Dunaway
Photographer: Madison Wathen
LOOK 01
SS: Tell us about yourself!
LL: My full name is Leah Lahkīah Nelson, so all who may wonder why my name is Leah Lahkīah, that’s where that comes from. I’m an old soul. Anyone who really knows me, knows that I end up playing the role of mom. At the same time though, I'm progressive and open-minded and I’m determined to make my dreams a reality. I grew up in both Ohio and Kentucky. I lived in both states for different but equally impactful times of my life.
Leah wears the J. Peterman Beaded Gown, Tiered Chandelier Clip-On Earrings, and Fuzzy Leopard Pillbox Hat.
LOOK 02
SS: How did you start your music career?
LL: I have been a vocal performer for several years of my life, but last year, for the first time, I finally got experience in a studio. After experiencing a couple of studios and making more musical connections in Louisville, where I stay, I met my manager Nemo. Now we’re in full throttle and coming for blood!
SS: What advice would you give to another artist trying to start their career?
LL: To any artists trying to make this dream a reality, I would say, work hard. That’s what will set you apart from the hundreds of other artists trying to make it. You have to be willing to sacrifice and do what other people aren’t.
Leah wears the White Velvet Bardot Dress with Button Back, Blue & Green Jewel Drop Necklace and White Lace Up Heels.
LOOK 03
SS: Who are your influences?
LL: I’m influenced by Beyonce’s passion and business approach, and by Billie Eilish’s unique but attractive sound. I also love Tori Kelly for being such a beautiful person inside and out regardless of her fame. I tend to have Jhené Aiko vibes, and I lover her sound as well so she naturally qualifies as an influence as well!
SS: How would you describe your sound?
LL: I would say that I’m pop with a little bit of R&B. People have compared my single, “For the Summer” to a Jhené Aiko vibe. At the same time though, my single “To You” is its own vibe. One may even hear a little bit of jazz thrown in there.
Leah wears the Blue Embroidered Sun Poncho, Patchwork Maxi Skirt, Pink Fuzzy Hat and Gold Shell Statement Necklace.
LOOK 04
SS: What's next for you as an artist?
LL: For right now, I am focusing on getting more music out and finding my true sound. Ideally, once I have released a couple more tunes, I will be able to complete a list for potential shows/concerts!
SS: What inspires you?
LL: Everything inspires me. It can be an old funny story of my own or someone else’s. It can be my current struggle or someone else’s that I have observed. If something has had or can have an impact on my emotions, then it can inspire me to write about or to remember as I live my life.
Leah wears the Purple Tie Front Peplum Blouse, Snakeskin Pants, Carlos Falchi Red Snakeskin Clutch and the Gold Chandelier Necklace with Multicolored Stones.
LOOK 04
SS: How would you describe your style?
LL: I was always cheap about clothes and never cared to have the latest of fashion pieces or clothing. As I’ve gotten older though, I’m a little more willing to spend money on popular brands, but I love being dressy. I love dresses and heels, I’m talking ballroom/major event dressy. On a day to day basis though, I love classy sexy. A pair of jeans or pants that fit me just right, a shirt that flatters my figure and depending on the statement of the outfit, either a modest heel or sneaker (Vans/ Adidas). I dress myself based on how I feel that day. Some days I don’t feel so sexy so my shirt may be less tight. Somedays I feel hardcore and super confident so I’ll throw on my hoodie dress and my platform tennis shoes and own it.
Leah wears the Maroon Skirt with Front Split and Pearl Details, White Slip Dress and the Gold Choker with Multi Chains.
LOOK 05
SS: What’s your favorite decade for fashion?
LL: I love the 20’s, It was such a classic yet sexy time for fashion.
Leah wears the Off White Daisy Tie Front Jumpsuit and the Mr. Charles Blue Bejeweled Hat.
LOOK 06
SS: What are your goals for your music career? Where would you like your music career to take you?
LL: I want to be so successful in my music career that I'm going head to head with the one only Beyoncé. A girl can only dream... but really, I want to be a highly respected artist. Maybe if not head to head with Beyoncé, I would love stand a couple feet behind!
Leah wears the Fuzzy Black Dress and Gold Multilayer Chain & Tassel Necklace.
LOOK 07
SS: What have you been listening to lately?
LL: I love what Calvin Harris does, and I also Love Sam Smith so I have been jamming to their new single “Promises”. I also love Alessia Cara’s “Growing Pains” and I need my daily dose of Dua Lipa.
Leah wears the Brown Faux Fur Coat, Leopard Print Maxi Dress and the Gold Ball & Hoop Choker.
LOOK 08
Leah wears the Off White Midi Dress with Black Detail and Rhinestone & Glass Bead Choker & Clip On Earrings Set.
Watch Leah's video for her latest single, For the Summer, below!
For the Summer (Official Video)
Song Available Here
Directed by Leah Lahkiah
Executive Producers: Leah Lahkiah, Nemo Achida Song Produced by Nemo Achida, Dexter Lattimore, John Kasper
Music video by Leah Lahkiah performing For the Summer.